Private school teacher

Question: I have read your informative articles on public school teachers, but I am actually interested in working for a private school. Do private schools also require a teacher credential? As a recent college graduate, I also took and passed the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), I am wondering if having a bachelor's degree and the CBEST is enough? What about teachers in religious-affiliated schools? How can I secure a position in a private school?
— Michelle

Response: In private schools, the minimum job requirements for teachers are left to the discretion of the individual school, since they are privately funded. While there is no state regulatory body or agency responsible for dictating or setting minimum job requirements, there seems to be a preference for teachers with a teacher credential. Further, teachers with a credential or a graduate degree may receive higher pay.

That is not to say that your bachelor's degree and CBEST would not be sufficient for you to get an interview with a school. According to a representative of Cal/West Educators Placement (CWEP), an agency that specializes in the placement of teachers in private and independent school settings, some schools only require a bachelor's degree and the CBEST.

Regarding your inquiry about teaching in a religious school setting, it is likely that as part of the school curriculum you will be required to teach courses that relate to that particular religion. You may need specialized knowledge or additional certifications. For example, there are private Christian schools that require their teachers to have certification through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Certifications or special knowledge may also be required by Jewish schools, Catholic schools or Armenian schools.

Job Resources
The following is specific contact information on the previously noted Cal/West Educators Placement agency:

Cal/West Educators Placement (CWEP)

5129 Amestoy Ave.

Encino, CA 91316

(800) 390-4737

www.calwesteducators.com

E-mail: resume@calwesteducators.com

CWEP specializes in the placement of educational professionals including teachers in independent and private schools throughout California. Applicants can fax, e-mail or mail their resume.

The following is a "sister company" of Cal/West Educators Placement that specializes in the placement of substitute teachers in private schools:

Teachers On Reserve

11334 Camarillo St.

North Hollywood, CA 91602

(800) 457-1899

www.teachersonreserve.com

This agency specializes in the placement of substitute teachers in private school settings in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley area. The only requirement for substitute teachers is a bachelor's degree. However, passing the CBEST enhances your employability.

Substitute teaching is a good way to familiarize yourself with schools that may be of interest to you. Further, substitute teaching is a good way to network and get your foot in the door and position yourself to secure a permanent position when an opening occurs.

California Association of Independent Schools

1351 3rd St.

Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 393-5161

www.caisca.org

Another way to secure a teaching position in a private school is to contact private schools directly. You can use the California Association of Independent Schools online directory. This directory is categorized by location including county.

For example, the association provides a listing of approximately 60 private (K-12) member schools in the Los Angeles County area. Information provided includes school address, web site and a contact person such as the headmaster or principal. You can call the association and request a free hard copy of this directory.

Pay

Substitute Teacher
The hourly pay for substitute teachers ranges from $12 to $18 per hour. Teachers work from four to eight hours per day.

You may also be paid by the day depending on the school. For example, according to a representative of a school in the Los Angeles County area, the pay of substitute teachers is $65 per day.

Full-Time Teacher
According to a representative of Cal West Educators, the pay of full-time teachers ranges from approximately $28,000 to $40,000 per year.

 
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.